Fauna
Fish

Indo-Pacific Sergeant Major

Abudefduf vaigiensis

Also known as Indo-Pacific Sergeant, Five-banded Damselfish, Waigieu Damselfish

Indo-Pacific sergeant majors are lively, schooling damselfish recognized by five bold black vertical bars across a pale bluish-yellow body. Breeding males undergo a striking transformation, turning an intense metallic blue while vigorously defending benthic egg clutches from hungry wrasses and butterflyfish. They aggregate in massive feeding midwater aggregations above reef crests, grazing drifting zooplankton alongside juvenile fusiliers.

MarineReef-dwellingDiurnal
Indo-Pacific Sergeant Major reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCalanoid Copepods, Pelagic Tunicates, Filamentous Algae
Predators
  • Coral Trout
  • Giant Trevally
  • Blacktip Reef Shark
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, warming ocean waters, and coastal sedimentation
HabitatsCoral reef flats, lagoons, coastal rocky reefs, and outer reef slopes
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyPomacentridae
  3. GenusAbudefduf
  4. SpeciesAbudefduf vaigiensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Snorkeling Approach: Swim slowly along reef drop-offs to watch large aggregations feed in the water column without dispersing.
  • Nesting Caution: Watch for dark blue individuals guarding rock surfaces; maintain distance to avoid agitating territorial males.
Related species
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